> Breed Information > Health and Basic Care > Health Information

Beginning March 2008 the very first formal research project for the Neapolitan Mastiff in the United States began! Leishmaniasis (LESH-ma-NIGH-ah-sis) is a disease which was first identified in Italy in 1903 and in 1940 it was determined that 40% of all dogs in Rome were positive for Leishmaniasis. A 2007 Study of dogs in SouthernItaly revealed 29.9% of kennel dogs seropositive for Leishmaniasis. Current studies indicate a rise of Leishmaniasis in S. America as well. Since a significant number of Neapolitan Mastiffs enter the United States from Italy it is important for breeders and owners to be aware of this disease and participate in testing! Samples collected for the study will also be maintained for a second and possible third research project looking at the T-Cell function of the Neapolitan Mastiff ! Read the full article, which can be found in the download section of the website, http://www.neapolitan.org/files/index.php, and Please take the time to submit a sample !!!

<< Back to Health Information